Examinations
Over the next couple of years there will be a number of changes to the examination system in England and Wales starting with the introduction of the new Diplomas from September 2008. This is a brief overview of some of the examinations in the current system.
For more information about what the different levels of qualifications mean please click here.
Diplomas
The Diploma is a new qualification for 14 to 19 year-olds, offering them a more practical, hands-on way of gaining the essential skills employers and universities look for. It’s aimed at increasing the choices available to young people and encouraging them to stay in education for longer.
Each diploma includes principal learning in a chosen main subject, additional learning in extra subjects, functional skills in English, maths and ICT and, at the higher level, a project and 10 days of work experience.
From September 2008, Diplomas in five subject areas will be available in selected schools and colleges around the country - with more becoming available each year.
A levels and AS levels
These are the qualifications most people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland sit in the two years following the end of compulsory education - the sixth form or college equivalent. Split into two stages: the AS (Advanced Subsidiary) which is also a qualification in its own right, and the A2, which isn't.
AS-levels are usually taken in three units in each subject, A2s in a further three to make up the whole A-level. Both are graded on a five-point scale from A to E, with U (unclassified) being a failure to make the grade.
GCSEs
The General Certificates of Secondary Education, are taken by most students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in Year 11 (the fifth year of secondary school).
GCSEs are graded from A* down to G, with U for those not making the grade. But not everyone can get every grade. In most subjects, the exams have two tiers aimed at students with differing levels of ability. The "higher" tier is targeted at those expected to achieve grades A* to D, while the "foundation" tier is targeted at grades C to G. If you have taken the foundation tier you cannot get more than a grade C.
End of Key Stage Tests
During Key Stages 1-3, progress in most National Curriculum subjects is assessed against eight levels.
At Key Stage 1 the level will be based on the teacher's assessment, taking into account a child’s performance in several tasks and tests.
At Key Stages 2 and 3 ( Years 6 and 9) the level will reflect the teacher’s assessment and at Key Stage 2, the child’s national test results (SATS)
SATS (Standard Assessment Tests) are intended to show if a child is working at, above or below the target level for their age.
This helps the school to make plans for their future learning. It also allows schools to see whether they are teaching effectively by comparing their pupils' performance to national results.
More information on SATS
